W.LPG.2501 - Laos Market Development
It is feasible to export Australian live cattle through Vietnam to Laos for processing and export of beef to China.
| Project start date: | 01 November 2024 |
| Project end date: | 30 December 2025 |
| Publication date: | 12 March 2026 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | International |
Summary
The project investigated the feasibility of Australian live cattle exports to Laos via Vietnam for slaughter and beef export to China and/or as re-export live cattle. It created business connections between potential supply chain partners in Vietnam, Laos and Australia and reported on market potential.
Objectives
Raise awareness and understanding of serious cattle investors-importers and key Government stakeholders in Laos about Australian live cattle and buffalo export supply chains, markets and regulatory requirements.
Evaluate the feasibility (logistics, regulatory, financial), capability, readiness and risks of importing breeder, feeder and or slaughter cattle or buffalo from Australia, through Vietnam to Laos.
Establish business linkages between serious cattle and buffalo investors-importers in Laos with Vietnamese importers-feed lotters and Australian live cattle exporters and suppliers.
Key findings
The project found that transiting Australian cattle through Vietnam into Laos is logistically and technically feasible. Processing cattle in Laos shows the most promise, particularly through Kun Cheng International’s new abattoir in Vientiane. However, the ability of the abattoir to secure market access for beef exports from Laos to China remains uncertain. In contrast, live cattle re-export to China is not currently commercially viable.
The project helped establish more than 30 business connections and positioned Australia as a trusted partner in a new potential regional supply chain. If market access is secured, this pathway could support trade growth and benefit Australia’s red meat export industry.
Benefits to industry
- Over 30 business connections created and relationships formed.
- Awareness of alternate pathway to China market for industry.
- Commercial calculations developed to assist industry with decision making on the potential for trade.
MLA action
MLA has presented on the findings of the report to the livestock export industry and used the information to support any interested exporters.
Future research
No future research is currently proposed. If trade opportunities arise, the LEP will re-visit opportunities and in-market technical support will be provided if trade is initiate
More information
| Project manager: | Spencer Whitaker |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
